Ian Roberts
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Born Name:
Ian Michael Roberts
Born Date: July 29, 1965
Born Place: Queens, New York
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Actor, comedian, writer
Brief Biography: Ian Roberts is a founding member of the influential Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) sketch and improv troupe. Known for his imposing 6'2" stature and high-energy performances, he is a mainstay of alternative comedy and a prolific television/film character actor.
Early Career and UCB:
After college, Roberts relocated to Chicago in 1990 to study at the ImprovOlympic under Del Close and Charna Halpern. There, he joined forces with Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, and Matt Walsh. Together, they formed the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), which started as a stage show in Chicago and moved to New York in 1996. The troupe's massive success led to their acclaimed Upright Citizens Brigade sketch series on Comedy Central, as well as the opening of iconic UCB Theatres in New York and Los Angeles.
Film and Television:
While remaining highly active in live alternative and improv comedy, Roberts has built a massive list of television and film credits, frequently collaborating with comedy giants like Will Ferrell and Adam McKay.
Notable Movies: He famously played the tyrannical, "spirit fingers"-obsessed choreographer Sparky Polastri in Bring It On (2000). His other film credits include Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (as a stage manager), Talladega Nights, and Step Brothers.
Notable TV Roles: He made memorable recurring appearances as the highly literal "Dr. Fishman" in Arrested Development, and starred as Sgt. Jack Declan in the later seasons of Reno 911!.
Behind the Camera and Writing:
Beyond his performing roles, Roberts is a talented writer, producer, and showrunner. He and his writing partner Jay Martel wrote the screenplay for the comedy Get Hard (2015), starring Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart. Roberts also served as showrunner and executive producer for all five seasons of Comedy Central's Key & Peele. He still performs improv and sketch regularly, frequently headlining live shows like Asssscat at the UCB Theatre in Los Angeles.
Born Date: July 29, 1965
Born Place: Queens, New York
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Actor, comedian, writer
Brief Biography: Ian Roberts is a founding member of the influential Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) sketch and improv troupe. Known for his imposing 6'2" stature and high-energy performances, he is a mainstay of alternative comedy and a prolific television/film character actor.
Early Career and UCB:
After college, Roberts relocated to Chicago in 1990 to study at the ImprovOlympic under Del Close and Charna Halpern. There, he joined forces with Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, and Matt Walsh. Together, they formed the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), which started as a stage show in Chicago and moved to New York in 1996. The troupe's massive success led to their acclaimed Upright Citizens Brigade sketch series on Comedy Central, as well as the opening of iconic UCB Theatres in New York and Los Angeles.
Film and Television:
While remaining highly active in live alternative and improv comedy, Roberts has built a massive list of television and film credits, frequently collaborating with comedy giants like Will Ferrell and Adam McKay.
Notable Movies: He famously played the tyrannical, "spirit fingers"-obsessed choreographer Sparky Polastri in Bring It On (2000). His other film credits include Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (as a stage manager), Talladega Nights, and Step Brothers.
Notable TV Roles: He made memorable recurring appearances as the highly literal "Dr. Fishman" in Arrested Development, and starred as Sgt. Jack Declan in the later seasons of Reno 911!.
Behind the Camera and Writing:
Beyond his performing roles, Roberts is a talented writer, producer, and showrunner. He and his writing partner Jay Martel wrote the screenplay for the comedy Get Hard (2015), starring Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart. Roberts also served as showrunner and executive producer for all five seasons of Comedy Central's Key & Peele. He still performs improv and sketch regularly, frequently headlining live shows like Asssscat at the UCB Theatre in Los Angeles.